On his property in Punta del Este, the entrepreneur established a winery that adheres to rigorous production standards
In 1998, when Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez bought Yellow Rose, a charming estate nestled in La Barra, Punta del Este, it made waves in magazine headlines. Not just for its stunning scenery, but also for the romantic tale intertwined with it: the yellow roses had captured the heart of Susana Giménez, our television’s leading diva, with whom the businessman had a well-publicized relationship at the time.
After parting ways with Susana, Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez dedicated himself to infusing new significance into both the place and its name: Yellow Rose was no longer hidden from curious eyes. Travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza, the prime route to San Carlos, can now spot the prominent sign adorning the wooden gate. No longer merely a tribute to Susana, it stands as one of the most exquisite country estates in the area, having in recent years expanded its hospitality offerings by opening a polo club and winery.
In an effort to showcase his contributions to Uruguayan polo and announce his venture into winery entrepreneurship, Corcho hosted a lavish barbecue at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, he neglected to inform most of the guests about the presence of the house wine on the table. As the wine circulated among the hundred attendees without a label, curiosity was sparked, particularly among seasoned liquor aficionados who detected a unique flavor. “That’s how I received genuinely authentic feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini were impressed and have already expressed interest in purchasing it,” Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez revealed to LA NACION.
Accompanied by Verónica Lozano, they acted as gracious hosts for an evening designed for enjoyment: under the starry sky, with the barbecue sizzling just meters away, amidst a familial atmosphere, accompanied by good music—a true gathering of friends. Federico Alvarez Castillo and Lara Bernasconi, Luciana Salazar, Pampita Ardohain, Julieta Kemble, Vanesa Kreth, Teresa Calandra, and other close friends of the couple were among the attendees.
For Corcho Rodríguez, having a vineyard at home represents more than just satisfying his taste buds. He possesses a deep interest in production and actively participates in the process of crafting a high-quality product. During his conversation with LA NACION, he revealed that they’ve been involved in wine production for seven years. “Initially, we conducted a soil test with Caterina Viña, the winemaker. We discovered that we could cultivate three varieties: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Personally, I prefer pinot noir for its smooth, full-bodied characteristics. We adopted a working model reminiscent of a Romanée Conti wine,” he explained, demonstrating his confidence despite referencing one of the world’s priciest wines. “Although we’ve set lofty standards, we’ve embraced them because we’re committed to maintaining this approach.” The results affirm their dedication: their initial production in 2011 yielded a thousand bottles as they only selected perfect grapes, discarding nearly 70% of the fruit. “Initially non-commercial, our focus on quality promises long-term gains.” In 2012 and 2013, adverse grape conditions led to no wine production. Presently, they aim to produce 5000 bottles.
Their vines, sourced from Burgundy, France, span four hectares, reflecting minimal industrial intervention. “We refrain from irrigation, allowing the vines to thrive naturally without chemical interference. Although not certified organic, our approach prioritizes natural cultivation,” the businessman explained, showcasing his expertise in production. He has always been fascinated by the winemaking process and appreciates the diverse flavors of Bacchus’s beverage. “I have friends with wineries worldwide. I enjoy experimenting and adding my personal touch. It’s a continuous journey of exploration and refinement,” he shared. With modest commercial objectives for now, they haven’t sold any bottles yet. This year’s production target is 5000 bottles, destined for distribution among family, friends, and select restaurants. “We aim for exclusive sales, allowing customers to request it via our website or find it in specific locations, favored restaurants we’ve discovered during our travels. It has received positive feedback from patrons of Hotel Bristol in Paris, Fasano in Brazil, and Cipriani,” he elaborated.
Additionally, dedicated to his polo club, registered with the Polo Association of Uruguay, he plans to publish a book on Yellow Rose, showcasing their equine work, club achievements, and the country house lifestyle. This book will be paired with the wine, now labeled simply as the house wine, Yellow Rose wine, he concluded.
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